No-contact advisory in place for pond in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and Department of Environmental Management on Thursday advised people to avoid contact with a pond in Portsmouth on Thursday.

Both departments said Lower Melville Pond has blue-green algae blooms, which can produce harmful toxins.

As a result, the Department of Health is asking people not drink water or eat fish from that pond. Recreation activities such as kayaking, swimming, and boating should be avoided.

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.